Duchess & Sadie's Snowy Domain

Bayfield, Colorado - NW Okie wanted me to make sure you check out some interesting Oklahoma legacies that she found at the Chronicling America at the Library of Congress website, which gives you access to America's historic newspapers. It allows you to search, view newspaper pages from 1860-1922 and find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. It is sponsored jointly by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Library of Congress as part of the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP).

One of the short little paragraphs we found in the Langston City Herald of October 1895, mentioned a NEW outlaw (White Horse Doolin) and his gang. I have never heard the outlaw Doolin referred to as "White Horse Doolin!" Did he ride a white horse?

In another paragraph further down it mentions Lily Langtry, the famous British actress and mistress of Edward VII. Have you heard the story of Lily (Breton) Langtry, born on the Island of Jersey, 13 October 1853, the daughter of Rev. William Corbet Le Breton, the Dean of Jersey Island. Emilie Charlotte Le Breton (Lily) was a British actress of renowned beauty, and had a number of prominent lovers, including the future King of England, Edward VII.

Lily Langtry made her first stage appearance in 1881 and soon obtained the reputation as one of Britain's most beautiful actresses. Lily was nicknamed the "Jersey Lily." Lily married Edward Langtry in 1874. Lily's husband, Edward Langtry, died in 1897, and two years later Lily married the extremely wealthy Hugo de Bathe. Lily died 12 February 1929.

Do not forget to check the notorious Buck Gang of 1895. In July and August 1895 the Buck Gang terrorized citizens of the Creek Nation, Indian Territory. Gang members Rufus Buck, Luckey Davis, Sam Sampson, Maomi July, and Lewis Davis joined forces after working individually as horse thieves and whiskey peddlers. All members were of American Indian or African American descent. It was said that Buck's motive was for revenge fueled by his hatred of white intruders in Indian Territory. Other gang members followed his lead.

It was on August 10, 1895, when a gun battle ensued at Flatrock Creek, 7 miles north of Okmulgee, between gang members and the law. After the capture of the Buck gang, they were transported to the Federal District Court of Western Arkansas in Fort Smith, which had jurisdiction over crimes committed against whites in Indian Territory. The Buck Gang was tried and found guilty on charges of rape. Judge Isaac Parker sentenced them to hang. After appealing to the Supreme Court, which issued no opinion, the gang was hung on July 1, 1896, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Let this Duchess Pugster leave you with one of our favorite quotes from fifty years ago, made during the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy. I believe we should all think profoundly, at length to remind us, "Ask not what your country can do for you; Ask what you can do for your country!"

Good Night & Good Luck! View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

This Day In History (January 24)

America - On this 24th day of January this is what you might have read in the headlines of the New York Times:

1848 - James W. Marshall discovered a gold nugget at Sutter's Mill in northern California, sparking the gold rush of '49.

1862 - Edith Wharton, the American novelist, was born. Following her death on Aug. 11, 1937, her obituary appeared in The Times.

1863 - Harper's Weekly featured a cartoon about the Emancipation Proclamation.SEE Cartoon & Read news

1908 - The first Boy Scout troop was organized in England by Robert Baden-Powell.

1924 - The Russian city of St. Petersburg was renamed Leningrad in honor of late revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin.

1943 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill concluded a wartime conference in Casablanca, Morocco.

1965 - Winston Churchill died in London at age 90. READ Here

1972 - The Supreme Court struck down laws that denied welfare benefits to people who had resided in a state for less than a year.

1986 - The Voyager 2 space probe swept past Uranus, coming within 50,679 miles of the seventh planet from the sun. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

NW Okie's R & R - The Good Old Days of 1920's

Bayfield, Colorado - This week we are going to share a photo that I believe was taken in the 1920's (maybe mid to late 1920's), in Alva, Woods County, Oklahoma at the old Presbytarian church that stood on the Northeast corner of Seventh & Church Street. My Dad, Gene McGill, is the young boy standing on the left end, frontrow. Does anyone recognize any of the other young children in this photo and the teachers?

We venture this week into the late 19th century memories of Oklahoma and Indian Territories with excerpts taken from the Langston City Herald, Langston City, O. T., dated October 5, 1895. Was there really Gold found in the Wichita mountains of the Wildlife Refuge located in the southwest part of Oklahoma?

Here is some 1895 information about the Woods County Fair, in Northwest Oklahoma Territory, October 1895, "At the Woods county fair it was decided that Minnie Reaves is the handsomest girl in Woods county under 12 years of age."

Anyone have any ancestors who might have known and/or remembered Minnie Reaves, who was 12 years old in 1895? Minnie would have been around the same age, if not a year younger than my grandmother, Constance Estella (Warwick) McGill. Grandmother Constance McGill was born October 10, 1882 and died in 1968.

Back to 1895 ... You can also read a short paragraph about the notorious outlaws, "White Horse Doolin" and "Zip Wyatt." Zip Wyatt was also known as "Dick Yeager" and "Wild Charlie," the most notorious outlaw in the Territory of Oklahoma. Nathaniel Wyatt acquired the nickname "Zip" from a man who lived near Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Back in October, 1895, there were some Kingfisher county people still prowling around in the Wichita mountains "camping" until they could come back with the black sand. What was the "Black Sand" and the Gold Fever in the Wichita mountains?

According to Oklahoma Gold Prospecting / Panning Treasure, "Prospectors say the hills near Turner Falls have gold deposits from the days when glaciers cut through the landscape and left the gold behind. Since Coronado's explorations for the Seven Cities of Cibola in the 1500s, gold has been sought after in Oklahoma. The Wichita mountains in SW Oklahoma are filled with tales of lost treasure and small fortunes being made. Even in the 1700s, Mexican miners, following earlier explorer's footsteps, still traveled from Santa Fe to mine an area known as Devil's Canyon next to Soldier's Peak. During the height of the Indian Wars in the 1870s, cavalry troopers from Fort Sill had more problems with illegal miners trying to get in to the state than they probably ever did with Native Americans fighting just to keep their land."

I found this link on Google Books when I did a search for "black sand" and "wichita mountains": The Historical Atlas of Oklahoma by Charles Robert Goins, Danney Goble, James H. Anderson, John Wesley Morris. Scroll down to page 25 to see the historical atlas of Oklahoma.

Remember when "Girls in bloomers" would play ball at the Payne county fair?

Remember when "A prairie fire" eight miles wide swept across Garfield county the last week of September, 1895?

Hope some of this has jogged some memories out there! Have fun learning, preserving and exploring our Oklahoma & American heritage! View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

More Dog Ranch Memories

Cherokee, Oklahoma - Thanks to Ken Brown for sending us these memories of the Saline Dog Ranch near Cherokee, Oklahoma. Here is what Ken says, Volume 10, Issue 38 -- 2008-09-21 -- "Several years ago when the Refuge dedicated the Bonham fishing pond I met member of that family who recalled that her mother cooked at the Dog Ranch. Her brother carried fishing or hunting gear for the guests -- oil men from Tulsa and OKC. She played in the guest cabins that were not in use. She also recalled helping her mother set the tables in the lodge with crystal, china, silverware, and linens. Hopefully others know more as it sounds like an interesting part of NW OK's past." View/Write Comments (count 1)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Wrought Iron Range Co.

America - We have heard from someone else who has a Wrought Iron Range and is looking for a place to gets parts for it. Can anyone help Carla?

Carla says, "I have the same stove and have the original instruction manual. Although it works and I use it daily, I am wondering where to get parts for it." -- Volume 5, Issue 8 -- 2003-02-22 View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

OBIT: VIRGIL LEROY RUSSELL (93) - Fairvalley & Freedom, OK

Fairvalley, Oklahoma - Maybe there are a few Fairvalley and Freedom, Oklahomans out there that remember Virgil Leroy Russell. I remember seeing him out at Fairvalley a few times when I was out there, but that has been awhile ago. Virgil would ride his 4-wheel vehicle from his homestead south of McGill Sisters land to his mailbox at the curve of the Freedom/Fairvalley blacktop road. Virgil has been and will be missed around the Freedom and Fairvalley, in Northwest Oklahoma

Virgil Russell passed away on January 18, 2011 at the Clinton Veterans Center at the age of 93 years. Funeral services for Virgil Leroy Russell, were held at 2 p.m., Saturday, January 22, 2011, at the United Methodist Church, Freedom, Oklahoma with Rev. Ray Hull, officiating. Interment was held in the Fairvalley Cemetery under the direction of Marshall Funeral Home of Alva.

Virgil Leroy Russell was one of eleven children of the late James and Amanda (Littrell) Russell. Virgil was born March 16, 1917 in Woods County, Oklahoma near Fairvalley. He passed away on January 18, 2011 at the Clinton Veterans Center at the age of 93.

Virgil was born, raised and lived his entire life on land homesteaded by his parents. He attended Fairvalley School. On January 2, 1942 he was united in marriage to Helen Dutton Russell at Freedom, Oklahoma. He was soon sent to World War II where he served as a tank driver in the U. S. Army, receiving a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in battle.

After Virgil's return from military service he and Helen raised a family on their farm southeast of Freedom. Throughout his life, he was active in the Morning Star, Freedom, and Woodward Baptist churches where he especially enjoyed singing hymns. In addition to raising cattle, Virgil worked on the railroad and drove a school bus for many years.

Helen preceded him in death on August 29, 2004. He was also preceded in death by 5 sisters and 2 brothers.

Survivors include six children and their spouses, Bob and Debi Russell of Jackson, Tennessee; Sherry and Bobby Russell, Lida and Tom Russell of Minco, Oklahoma; Jim and Annette Russell of Los Alamos, New Mexico; Tom and Julie Russell of Freedom, OK; and JoNell and Greg Roszyk of Crestline, CA; nine grandchildren, Jeannie Snow, Angie and Galen Humphrey, Nathan Russell, Paul Russell, Cody Dodson, Corey and Jill Russell, Jordan and Jessica Russell, Lucas Russell and Sarah Russell; 8 great-grandchildren; brothers Ralph Russell of Waynoka, Harley and Alice Russell of Ruskin, Florida and one sister Bonnie Dutton Glasgow of Winfield, Kansas; other relatives and friends.

In later years, Virgil was blessed with a very special friend Leta Williams of Woodward. They enjoyed attending church, having lunch, and visiting over the phone. Marshall Funeral Homes Obit - Virgil Russell View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

5 October 1895 - Oklahoma & Indian Territory

Oklahoma - In the Langston City Herald, Langston City, O. T., dated October 5, 1895, there was an interesting mention about Oklahoma weather, "There is one thing about Oklahoma weather. It can blow about nothing." [SEE PDF File!]

If you scan down a few lines there was a paragraph concerning the Troops at Fort Reno that stated, "Troops at Fort Reno have been ordered to remove prospectors for gold from the Wichita mountains."

Here is an interesting paragraph from that same 1895 Langston City Herald, "A new outlaw leader has broken loose in the strip. His name is White Horse Doolin. He is a graduate of the Zip Wyatt (a.k.a Nathaniel Ellsworth Wyatt) school and has a gang with him."

Have you ever heard stories of Lilly Langtry and her famous divorce? There was a paragraph in the Langston City Herald that read, "In behalf of the editors in Oklahoma Frank Greer notifies Lilly Langtry that if she will come to Oklahoma for her divorce the newspapers there will take her part."

For all you Canadian County residents there was this mention of thePioneer Creamery Plant, "The Canadian county farmers have this year made thousands of dollars that could not have been made had it not been for the Pioneer creamery's plant. They pay the farmers the highest price possible for their milk, and are shipping the excellent product of the plant to adjacent states and territories where it brings the top of the market."

Beaver County citizens, I have not forgotten about you. Here is the short paragraph from the Langston City Herald, October, 1895, "It is said the farmers in Beaver county are short of help. People who want a job should reflect that it is a long way to Beaver county."

Have you ever heard of this "Billy the Kid?" It seems back in October 5, 1895, as this paragraph reads, "Billy the Kid, a woman whose real name is Ruth Phelps, and whose residence is the Indian Territory, has been taken to the Paris jail charged with horse stealing."

Anyone out there remember the Oklahoma City Carriage Company? In October, 1895, this little paragraph stated, "The Oklahoma City Carriage company has retired into the hands of a receiver."

There was also mention of the meanest man in Oklahoma, "The meanest man in Oklahoma was arrested last week on a charge made by a squaw, of stealing a 1-cent coin from the neck of her papoose."

Also in October, 1895, "A man in southern Oklahoma left the other day for California because Oklahoma didn't have 'no' earthquakes or any excitement at all." (If only that man were alive today to witness the earthquakes that have been springing up in the central parts of Oklahoma.)

Have you ever heard of the Buck Gang of 1895? It seems in October, 1895, "The notorious Buck Gang, composed of Rufus Buck, an Indian; Lucky Davis, a negro; Sam Sampson, Maomi July and Lewis Davis, Creek Indians, have been convicted in the United States court at Fort Smith, Ark., and will be hanged."

Here is another interesting paragraph concerning the elopement of George S. Meyers youngest daughter, to Graham E. Babcock. It reads as follows, "The youngest daughter of George S. Meyers, millionaire tobacco man of St. Louis, and Graham E. Babcock, son of General E. Babcock of Coronado, Co., eloped and were married at Glenwood Springs, Col."

Have you ever heard the history about the survey the Kansas and Texas Coal Company had begun of a new railroad between South McAlester, I.T., and Fort Smith, Arkansas?

Back in the Fall of 1895 there was mention of the discovery of a missing woman, Elizabeth Tompkins, the well known sporting writer, who disappeared in 1893. She had been located in San Francisco.

Last but not least, this little mention of John L. Sullivan and Paddy Ryan boxing match mentions, "John L. Sullivan and Paddy Ryan will meet in a four-round boxing contest at Cleveland October 5, 1895." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

5 December 1912, Farmers' Champion, Elgin, Oklahoma

Oklahoma - There was this mention of twenty-seven Union soldiers and eight Confederate soldiers (Survivors of Gettysburg) living in Oklahoma in 1912.

Are Survivors of Gettysburg -- "There are so far as heard from, twenty-seven Union soldiers and eight confederate soldiers in Oklahoma who participated in the battle of Gettysburg, Pa. An effort is being made to find out exactly how many of those veterans there are and where they are now residing in the state.

"The celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the battle will be held there in July of next year, and arrangements are being made to have all those veterans of both sides present who took part in the battle.

"Union soldiers: C. S. Northrup, Co. I Sixth Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, Lawton; John W. Dellass, Co. E. 149th volunteer infantry, Oklahoma City; Samuel G. Porter, Co. A 27th Indiana volunteer infantry, Custer City; J. T. Martin, Co. A 7th West Virginia infantry, Ponca city; H. c. Phenicie, Capt. Co. K. 21st Pennsylvania cavalry, Hinton; Frank A. Brown, Co. B 15th volunteer infantry, Shawnee; Jacob Doyle, C. G 1st Maryland volunteer infantry, Muskogee; F. B. Leonard, Co I 19th Indiana volunteer infantry, Oklahoma City; A. H. Beecher, Capt. Co. G 137th New York infantry, Orlando; S. K. Richards, Co. E. 63d Pennsylvania infantry, Lawton; c. H. Norris, Co. H 126th New York infantry, Guthrie; E. D. Morgan, Co. H. 126th New York infantry, Guthrie; Benjamin Walker, 57th and 59th Massachusetts infantry, Snyder; d. Foley, Co. H. 20th Massachusetts infantry, Snyder, Weatherford; T. B. Gibbs, Co. G 66th Ohio infantry, Bartlesville; Robert Welch, Co. F 136th New York infantry, Bartlesville; Joseph W. Kelly, Co. K 53rd Pennsylvania infantry, Guthrie; A. A. Ceighton, Co. K. 73d Ohio infantry, Perry; William A. Parsons, Co. I 9th New York cavalry, Perry; John Pressler, Co. K 87th Indiana infantry, Perry; R. J. Boyington, Co. I 105th Pennsylvania infantry, Enid; William Knaggs, Co. G 54th Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, Enid; Samuel ST. Clair, Co. D 18th Pennsylvania cavalry, Enid; J. W. Walton, Co. K. 29th Iowa infantry, Enid; I. W Sherrick, Enid; Amos Potter, Lawton." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

5 January 1907 - The Guthrie Daily Leader

Oklahoma - Back on 5 January 1907, on the front page of The Guthrie Daily Leader, Guthrie, Oklahoma was the headline, Oklahoma Gas for Oklahoma. The sub-headlines read: "Home Producers of the Article Ask That It Stay Here" and "Will Be of Great Benefit."

The article reads as follows, "The campaign for Oklahoma gas for Oklahoma was renewed here today by the gas men of the twin territories meeting and appointing a committee to confer with the delegates of the convention in view of getting a clause placed in the constitution forbidding the piping of gas out of the new state.

"In regard to the movement and its object, E. T. Tucker, secretary of the Tulsa commercial club, said: "The fuel question in Oklahoma is of first importance, and natural gas, where it can be found, is the most convenient fuel. The gas field in the new state is more extensive than any other field in the world, and gives promise of being the most productive.

"Every city of any size within 150 miles of the field, either to the east or the west, in Greater Oklahoma, is laying plans to secure pipe lines in order to bobtail a supply of this natural fuel for domestic and industrial use. If the gas supply is conserved, these plans can be carried out and the cities will have natural gas for many years to come. Yet, outside influences, chiefly in Kansas city and St. Louis, and the Kansas Gas company, and others, are making every effort to secure control of all the gas acreage in the new state to supply pipe lines to Missouri and Mississippi river points and to supply towns in Kansas and Missouri along the line. If this is permitted by the people of Oklahoma it means that others will secure practically all the benefits of our natural gas supply, and in a few years we will be without any." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe